Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter in Los Angeles on Friday. The women, relatives of the late Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani, had their green cards revoked, clearing the path for deportation.

Public Support for Anti-U.S. Actions

Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that Afshar, Soleimani’s niece, and her daughter—his grand-niece—openly supported the Iranian regime. They celebrated deadly attacks on American soldiers during heightened U.S.-Iran tensions and labeled the United States the “Great Satan.”

Rubio stated: “Until recently, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter were green card holders living lavishly in the United States. Afshar is the niece of deceased Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani. She is also an outspoken supporter of the Iranian regime who celebrated attacks on Americans and referred to our country as the ‘Great Satan.'”

He added: “This week, I terminated both Afshar and her daughter’s legal status and they are now in ICE custody, pending removal from the United States. The Trump Administration will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes.”

Who Was Qasem Soleimani?

Qasem Soleimani commanded Iran’s Quds Force, a key arm of its military, until a U.S. drone strike eliminated him at Baghdad Airport in January 2020. He ranked among Iran’s most influential military leaders.